ProCoach Videos

Here are teaching videos for coaches that explain potential problems and dilemmas with pole vaulting. Also, these videos will give you wonderful insight to the vault and how to coach the vault. If you have questions about any of the videos, please e-mail me or call. I’m more than willing to aid in your learning.

THE BASICS:

Here is a video on basic ideas and concepts to watch for in a ProVault. “Second-To-Last-Step”, “Pre-Stretch”, “Post-Up”, and “Down-Pressure Lock-in”. Be sure to check out the “Platform” video regarding the “Energy-Line”.

If an athlete is having difficulty planting tall and strong in the pole vault. This is a great drill to promote high. strong plants. It also is wonderful to help with jumping up at take-off. Watch this video to see what to look for as a coach and how to set the drill up.

A very high percentage of athletes have a tendency to lean back during the plant phase whenever there is a crossbar or bungee introduced to the situation. This video shows this phenomenon occurring. If an athlete shows this sorta behavior, be sure to go back and practice to proper basic of PreStretch and running before allowing them to continue jumping over a crossbar or bungee. Remember, “Protect the Foundation”.

Here is a video on the basic ideas surrounding the platform. The platform is a great tool for youth vaulters. It is safe, easy and you can teach an athletes to ProVault from day one with minimal amounts of energy spent.

The run structure is a very important aspect in the pole vault. This video examines some basic ideas in the pole vault regarding the runway architecture. The Mid-Mark is the point in which the run changes from the “BuildUp” phase to the “Acceleration” phase. The lowering of the pole actually pulls the athlete down the runway. If done properly, the runway speed will exponentially increase. If done improperly, the run will be hindered.

The plant is very important. It is the action in which X energy forces are converted to Y energy onto a rolling/bending pole. If done correctly, the efficiency/coefficient will maximize pole rotation and ultimately facilitate bigger and longer poles for athletes.

Also called getting “Ripped” off the ground. This is caused by being under at plant. This video explains the elements to look for when an athlete is under. Getting ripped off the ground destroys the swing, pole rotation and potentially will damage an athlete’s vertebrae. Always strive to jump from a bit out or on. Never vault from under when vaulting even on short runs like a 2-3 step approach. Always teach the “springy” tall jumping action into the box.

The swing is a very quick and dynamic action. Happening in a matter of milliseconds, it is very difficult to master. It is much like a golf swing or a giant swing on bars – Timing is everything. The “Post-Up” move is the action in which the athlete pushes the hands to the back of the pit as they begin their swing phase. This promote pole rotation and pole compression in storing potential energy in the pole. It also allows the athlete time to swing back on the pole for inversion.

The Pre-Stretch is the action, at plant, that amplifies the poles rotation. The platform is a great place to safely practice the Pre-Stretch. The “Pre-Stretch” is the fundamental structure which sets up a maximized swing. Watch the video to learn more about one of the most misunderstood aspects of the vault.

Slam-Planting is caused by a late pole drop during the run. Typically, an athlete is suppose to lower the pole at the mid-mark of their run. To learn more about the run, see the video on the RUN. If the pole drop is late, the athlete has to RUSH the pole drop causing the pole to slam into the box. This may cause HYPER-Bending of the pole. This stuns the poles rotation into the pit.

Why am I going over the crossbar sideways and out of control? Well, it is very simple. It is a basic weight distribution error on the stick. Watch this video to learn how to fix your “helicoptering” swing over a crossbar.

This video will explain the dilemma associated with “blocking” the bottom arm at plant. The blocking action of the bottom arms destroys the Pre-Stretch form of the body in two ways. One, it pushes the shoulders back. And two, it sucks the hips forward prematurely. Watch the video and see how this hurts the fluid swinging action of the pole vault.

This video explains when it is time to go up to a longer pole with a higher grip. Most coaches have a difficult time with this. This video examines the aspect to look for as a coach. Note: if an athlete moves from a 13′ 165 to a 14′ pole. Be sure to decrease the weight for the first jump by 10lbs or 5lbs. This will ensure safe jumping into the pit and decrease the chances of getting stood up and landing shallow.

The video explains the three key elements that indicates when an athlete is blowing through a pole. The first indication is the athlete landing deep in the pit. The second is the pole is releasing (catapulting) pass vertical. The final and does not always apply is the over bending of a pole. Here is the video to describe these elements.